The use of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors in the retreatment of cystic macular lesions in retinitis pigmentosa and X-linked retinoschisis

Retina. 2011 Feb;31(2):312-5. doi: 10.1097/IAE.0b013e3181e587f9.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if carbonic anhydrase inhibitors can restore their efficacy after a period of discontinued use in patients with cystic foveal lesions who demonstrated subsequent worsening in the extent of their foveal cysts after initially exhibiting a favorable response to treatment.

Methods: Retrospective chart review was conducted on all patients with retinitis pigmentosa or X-linked retinoschisis who were either currently on treatment or had been treated with carbonic anhydrase inhibitors for cystic macular lesions. A total of three patients were included in the study.

Results: All three patients exhibited a recurrence of their cystic macular lesions while on treatment with carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. After discontinuing treatment for a period of 1 month to 6 months, all patients showed a favorable response to retreatment as monitored with optical coherence tomography scans.

Conclusion: The present study shows that patients who show signs of recurring macular cysts while still on treatment can have a favorable response when treatment is reinstated after a period of discontinued use of a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetazolamide / therapeutic use
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Macular Edema / drug therapy*
  • Macular Edema / etiology
  • Macular Edema / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Retinitis Pigmentosa / complications*
  • Retinoschisis / complications*
  • Retreatment
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sulfonamides / therapeutic use
  • Thiophenes / therapeutic use
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence
  • Usher Syndromes / complications
  • Visual Acuity / physiology

Substances

  • Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors
  • Sulfonamides
  • Thiophenes
  • dorzolamide
  • Acetazolamide